Richard–I like the idea of giving children a background in religion, then leaving it up to them–when they become older–to make up their minds.

Anne Marie–I do tend to think that thing balance out, somehow. It may be on the other side of the universe, though! And, yes, there are times when you just don’t want to have to deal with the “personal growth” offered by these “wonderful challenges”…

Belinda–Hi & welcome! Okay, your Baptist preschool is much more conservative! The dotter gets to wear blue jeans all the time (thank heavens). But they do insist on manners, they do try to teach right from wrong, and they are mostly a bunch of nice people. About the husbands-as-twins theory: If yours leaves wrappers on the kitchen counter when the garbage can is three feet away, and leaves the light on in the garage all the time…hmmm….

My daughter ALSO goes to a private preschool that is “Baptist” affiliated. I’ve posted about it before, but when we were signing her up, I was all, “Hey, it’s a Baptist-affiliated school, we’re Baptists, it’s all good, right?” HA!!! It was my (conservative) mother who warned me, “Belinda, the only thing that church has in common with yours is the word ‘Baptist.’ Expect it to be VERY strict and EXTREMELY conservative.”

Boy, was she right. It’s still the best preschool for miles, and we’re happy with how great it’s been for Bella, but boy, howdy, conservative? You know your child attends a conservative preschool when the dress-code is SO restrictive you find yourself telling her, “I’m sorry, Sweetie, you can’t wear that dress to school…but you can wear it to CHURCH Sunday!” I’m not even kidding. Apparently, in some circles, good little girls do not wear pants or have visible knees. Whatever. I figure what we put in her at home carries more weight.

Anyway, I’m so glad you commented on my site so I could follow you here. As I responded on my site, you and I may have possibly married related men. And mine is adopted, so you never know….;-)

Interesting post. I’ve been battling (well not *really* battling) with my parents for 5 years now about not baptizing my daughter. I think they think about it more as an insurance policy than anything else (what can it hurt? they say). While I’m not against all organized religion (it is likely what gave me and my forebearers much of their moral fabric), it conflicts with my view of life and logic. However my daughter went to a Catholic preschool for 2 years and I don’t have an problem with her attending church with my parents every once in a while. I want her to have an appreciation and understanding of all these things, but I want to let her decide if she wants to be baptized when she’s capable of making that decision.

Anyways, it’s coincidental that one of the podcasts I listen to (The Bitterest Pill with Dan Klass) discusses this whole issue of religion and it’s effects. I think he treats it with a little humour and a lot of logic and understanding. Might be worth a listen if you’re so inclined.

Enjoying your posts BTW.